 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
|
| Olivia Karaolis, UCPlay Program Manager, with one of her students at a UCPlay Workshop |
As this is our first e-communication we wanted to update you on recent developments in the program and introduce you to all the schools participating in the program. We hope this can become a forum to exchange information about creative arts programming for children with special needs as well as a stage to celebrate the achievements of our amazing students.
What is the UCPlay Project?
The UCPlay Project is United Cerebral Palsy’s (UCP) childrens program. UCP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to help people that have developmental disabilities live a “life without limits.” The UCPlay Project is dedicated to providing innovative theatre and creative arts workshops to children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and other related disabilities.
The heart of our work is to give children a learning experience that fosters curiosity, supports their ability to play and learn and celebrates their achievements in a tangible way. |
 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
|
We are going on a field trip, Miss Olivia…to sing the bear song’
- Marvin 6 years old |
On Wednesday, April 29th, the Very Special Arts Festival celebrated their 30th anniversary, every year this festival highlights the achievements of children with disabilities. This year students participating in the UCPlay Project at Walgrove Avenue Elementary School performed We’re Going on a Bear Hunt on stage at the Music Center Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles. The children sang the song and performed ...actions that they had devised in class. Their imagination and creativity delighted parents and teachers alike....they can’t wait to do it again next year! This annual event is a partnership between LAUSD and the LA County Office of Education.
|
 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Since October of 2008, the UCPlay Project has been offered in the Los Angeles Unified School District and in March of this year, UCPlay added the Santa Monica - Malibu School Unified School District to their roster of partnering districts. UCPlay is proud to announce the following schools are participating in our program: |
- Lincoln Early Childhood Education Center
- Melvin Ave Elementary School
- Mulholland Middle School
- Pine St Preschool |
- Walgrove Avenue Elementary
- West Valley Special Education Center
- Wilton Place Elementary
|
| On an average week, the UCPlay Project provides special creative arts workshops to over 180 children a week that have special needs. This number grows every month and from a teacher testimonial the UCPlay Project has been incredibly impactful to her students. |
 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
“It has been educational and motivating that we are the fortunate recipients of your expertise and useful time spent with our class. This experience has also helped me to understand strategies and priorities as a teacher of students with special needs.
With a new perspective in working with my students, you have provided a great model and an inspiration to me for which I am exceedingly appreciative. I look forward to continuing our opportunities to work together.”
|
- A. Christine Rose, a teacher at Walgrove Avenue Elementary School |
 |
| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
| The UCPlay Project would like to thank Urban Outfitters for their generous donation of materials that helped create puppets for the children and all the parents and LAUSD staff for their generous donations to our program. |
For more information about the UCPlay Project, please contact
The UCPlay Project Program Manager,
Olivia Karaolis at (818) 782-2211, ext. 605 or by email at: okaraolis@ucpla.org |
